The SERN Briefing

The European Parliament Information Office in Edinburgh hosted the annual SERN (The Scottish European Resources Network) briefing in its office on 27 May 2011. SERN includes 32 member organisations from around Scotland including Local Authorities, MEP's Assistants, Members of Committee of the Regions, European Movement in Scotland, Scotland Europa, Scotch Whisky Association, The Royal Society of Edinburgh, Chambers of Commerce, the National Library of Scotland, Public Libraries, and the Aberdeen Europe Direct Centre. The topic discussed this year was "Europe 2020: A new economic strategy for Europe" and the speakers included Dominic Brett from the European Commission Representation in the UK and Anil Gupta from the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities. Dominic Brett explained in detail the Europe 2020 strategy and its widespread possible implications for the entire Euro-zone area and the Member States. Anil Gupta, on the other hand, spoke about the practical effects of the Europe 2020 strategy on local councils in Scotland and their responsibility to implement this strategy. A lively Q&A session followed the presentations and the audience raised questions such as such as young peoples' opinion of the EU, environmental issues and the notion of a "Europe of regions".